Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, unsp elbow

This code signifies inflammatory arthritis affecting the elbow joint, characterized by symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness, but without the presence of rheumatoid factor in laboratory tests. It represents a seronegative form of rheumatoid arthritis impacting an unspecified elbow.

This code is appropriate when documentation specifies seronegative rheumatoid arthritis affecting an elbow, and the laterality (right or left) is not documented or is unknown. It should be used for initial or subsequent encounters when the provider confirms this diagnosis based on clinical findings and negative rheumatoid factor results.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "seronegative" or "without rheumatoid factor" for rheumatoid arthritis.
• Avoid using this code if the laterality of the affected elbow (right or left) is specified; instead, use the more specific codes.
• Do not use this code if the patient has tested positive for rheumatoid factor; refer to codes for seropositive rheumatoid arthritis.